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Garbage, recycling and collection in Lethbridge
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Lethbridge, Alberta: garbage, recycling and collection. Find local rules, practical steps, useful answers and official service links.
Key information
Lethbridge’s detailed residential collection page lists garbage and recycling every other week. Green cart frequency changes by season. Use this specific service page and your address schedule because the general waste overview still uses less precise weekly wording.
On this page
At a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| How often are black and blue carts collected? | Garbage and recycling are collected every other week by zone. |
| How should garbage be packed? | Bag and tie everything in the black cart. Keep dangerous items such as propane tanks out. |
| How much space do carts need? | Leave at least 1.5 metres on both sides, three metres above and one metre behind for the truck’s lifting equipment. |
Plan your next step
- Find your service
Check the address, building type and collector for the material.
- Sort and prepare
Use the local container, quantity, weight and set-out rules.
- Check the date
Use the address calendar and the correct reporting route if collection fails.
Collection, containers and dates
How often are black and blue carts collected?
Garbage and recycling are collected every other week by zone.
When is the green cart collected weekly?
From May through October. From November through April, organics switches to alternating biweekly collection.
When should I set my cart out?
By 7 a.m., with the lid arrow pointing toward the street or alley.
Sorting and special services
How should garbage be packed?
Bag and tie everything in the black cart. Keep dangerous items such as propane tanks out.
Should recycling be bagged?
No. Put accepted recycling loose in the blue cart.
Can I use plastic bags for organics?
The collection page directs loose organics or paper bags. Follow the green cart’s accepted-material guidance rather than using ordinary plastic bags.
Problems, exceptions and help
How much space do carts need?
Leave at least 1.5 metres on both sides, three metres above and one metre behind for the truck’s lifting equipment.
What if a collection is missed?
Wait until the next business day to contact 311. Submit the request within two business days after the scheduled pickup.
How many free large-item pickups are listed?
Two complimentary collections a year, at least three months apart. Book through the Large Item Service.
Are city demolition bin rentals available?
The page says new rentals have been temporarily unavailable since June 19, 2026. Use a private supplier while that pause remains in place.
Local service links
These are the service sources used for this Lethbridge guide. Use their current forms, calendars and notices when completing a task.